How to Clean and Reproof your Waterproof Jacket
| Frequency: Wash when water stops beading or every 3 months of heavy use. Key Rule: Never use household detergents; they destroy Durable Water-Repellant (DWR) coatings. The Process: Use technical cleaners (Nikwax/Grangers), then reactivate DWR with low heat. |
Your waterproof jacket is your trusted companion in the battle against the elements. Whether you’re braving a torrential downpour or facing a relentless mountain storm, this essential piece of outdoor gear keeps you dry and comfortable.
However, over time, even the most robust waterproof jackets can lose their effectiveness. That’s where cleaning and re-waterproofing come into play. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of restoring your waterproof jacket to its former glory.
If you have a more modern garment that is described as PFC/ePFC free, you will need to familiarise yourself with what this is and what it means for caring for your garment.
At a Glance: Waterproof Jacket Maintenance Summary
| Step | Action | Key Tool |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Prep | Empty pockets and zip up all fasteners. | Brush or a damp cloth |
| 2. Clean | Remove dirt and oils using a technical wash. | Nikwax Tech Wash or Performance Wash |
| 3. Proof | Restore the DWR coating to the outer fabric. | TX.Direct or Performance Repel |
| 4. Dry | Activate the treatment with controlled heat. | Tumble dryer on low if allowed, Iron on low heat with a Tea Towel in between [not direct] or air dry |
Step 1: Check the Care Label and Prep The Jacket
Before washing, check the manufacturer’s care label to determine the specific temperature and drying requirements for your jacket. Proper preparation prevents mechanical damage to the waterproof membrane during the cycle.
- Secure the Jacket: Close all zips, secure Velcro tabs, and tighten toggles to prevent snagging.
- Surface Clean: Use a soft brush to remove dried mud or heavy debris.
Clear the Machine: Run a quick rinse cycle on your empty washing machine to remove any leftover household detergent residue.
Step 2: Washing Your Jacket With Technical Cleaners
To clean a waterproof jacket, use a front-loading machine set to 30°C on a gentle cycle with a dedicated non-detergent technical soap. Never use standard laundry detergents or fabric softeners; these are hydrophilic (water-attracting) and leave a residue that kills the DWR coating.
- Essential Tools: Use Nikwax Tech Wash or Grangers Performance Wash. These specialised soaps remove dirt and body oils without stripping the factory-applied proofing.
- PFC-Free/ePFC Gear: If your jacket is labelled PFC-Free, ensure your cleaner is compatible. Most modern Nikwax and Grangers solutions are formulated for these specific eco-membranes.
- Load Size: Wash no more than two garments at a time to ensure a thorough rinse.
After washing, rinse your jacket thoroughly to remove all soap residues. Thoroughly rinse the jacket in cool, clean water to ensure all surfactants are removed, as soap residue can inhibit the performance of the DWR coating.
Step 3: Rejuvenate the DWR Coating
To restore waterproof performance, you must reapply a Durable Water Repellent (DWR). This process uses a wash-in or spray-on treatment to coat the fibres without clogging the breathable pores.
| Wash-In Treatments | Spray-On Treatments |
| Best for: 3-layer technical shells without linings. | Best for: Jackets with mesh, “drop” linings, or insulation. |
| Key Tool: Nikwax TX.Direct | Key Tool: Grangers Performance Repel+ |
| Benefit: Ensures an even, total coating. | Benefit: Protects the outer shell without affecting wicking linings. |
| Critical Areas: Apply extra focus to high-abrasion zones, including the shoulders, cuffs, and elbows, where the factory DWR wears off fastest. |
Pro Tip: You only need to reproof if the “beading test” fails. If water droplets still roll off the surface after cleaning, the existing DWR is still functional.
Step 4: Drying and Heat Activation
Most DWR treatments need controlled heat to “set” or activate the repellent polymers. Check your care label first; while heat is beneficial for activation, excessive temperatures can delaminate waterproof membranes.
- Tumble Dry: If allowed, tumble dry on low heat for 30 minutes.
- Air Dry & Iron: If you cannot tumble dry, hang the jacket away from direct sunlight. Once dry, lightly iron on a cool setting using a tea towel as a barrier to activate the treatment.
- The Test: Once dry, sprinkle water on the surface. If it beads up and rolls off, the restoration is successful.
Recommended Maintenance Products
| Product | Use For | Buy Online |
| Nikwax Tech Wash | Cleaning all waterproof gear. | View Product |
| Nikwax TX.Direct Wash-In | Reproofing hard shells. | View Product |
| Nikwax Twin Pack | Complete Clean & Proof kit from Nikwax. | View Product |
| Grangers Performance Wash 300ml Concentrate | Wash-in cleaner. | View Product |
| Grangers Performance Repel+ | Spray-on protection for mesh-lined jackets. | View Product |
| Grangers Performance Wash Concentrate and Clothing Repel Twin Pack | This Twin pack contains one 300ml bottle of Grangers Performance Wash Concentrate and one 300ml Bottle of Grangers Clothing Repel | View Product |
Cleaning & Waterproofing Jackets FAQs
What happens if I accidentally use normal detergent?
Don’t panic, but you will need to fix it. Normal detergent leaves a water-attracting residue. To fix this, run the jacket through two rinse cycles with plain water to strip the detergent, then wash it again using a proper technical cleaner like Tech Wash. You will almost certainly need to apply a fresh reproofing treatment afterwards.
How often should I wash my waterproof jacket?
There is no set schedule for how you should wash your waterproof jacket, but as a rule of thumb: wash it when it looks visibly dirty or if you notice water is no longer beading on the surface. Heavy users who hike every weekend may need to wash their gear every 2–3 months. Occasional users might only need to do it once a season.
Why is my jacket still letting in water after proofing?
If your jacket is still letting in water, it might be too old, or the membrane may have “delaminated” (peeled away from the outer fabric). If you see bubbling or white flakes inside, it’s time for a new jacket.
Waterproof your jacket with our trusted products
Cleaning and re-waterproofing your waterproof jacket are essential steps in maintaining its performance and prolonging its life. Regular maintenance ensures that your trusted outdoor companion continues to shield you from the elements, so you can keep exploring the great outdoors with confidence and comfort. Don’t neglect this important task, and your waterproof jacket will be ready for whatever adventures lie ahead.
Need to restock your cleaning kit or looking for a new technical shell?
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